Operations Research Analyst

About the Air Force Test Center:
The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is where tomorrow’s Air Force is tested! Long considered the “Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe”, AFTC is truly where Air Force superiority begins. Home to many Aerospace establishments and records, AFTC remains the state-of-the-art leader in Aerospace testing, and provides the warfighter with cutting-edge technology. AFTC does not only celebrate its past, but we continue to lead from the front.

Join our team today and make Aerospace history! Be the force behind the force. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to empower the U.S. Air Force and Space Force to protect our nation's interests in air, space, and cyberspace. This is more than a job; it's a calling to serve.

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Operations Research Analyst (NH-1515-03) to work at the USAF Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) at Edwards AFB. The purpose of this position is to provide highly specialized ground, flight, and/or on-console instruction to experienced operational pilots, combat systems officers (rated navigators, electronic warfare officers, and weapon system operators), RPA pilots, space operators, and engineers in order to educate them on the theories, procedures, and techniques necessary to test and evaluate research, prototype, and production atmospheric and/or exo-atmospheric vehicles and their systems.

Responsible for the academic content and rigor of all assigned courses as well as curriculum development in support of a 48-week Master's Degree program.

Location:

Edwards, CA (Edwards Air Force Base)

Typical 2026 salary range: $104,349 - $161,313 per year/per hour (includes locality) “If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.”

Telework Information:
Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prescribed "Unscheduled Telework"

Travel Requirements:
Up to 25% travel possible This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

Direct Hire Authority: NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject area is required
• Previous analyst experience in a test & evaluation organization is required

• PhD in relevant subject area is highly desired
• Experience in DoD acquisitions is desired
• Prior teaching/instructing experience is desired

• Instructs students on a variety of flight/space test and supporting topics throughout the curriculum, with the primary emphasis in the assigned Phase (Flight Sciences, Mission Systems, Test Foundations, Astronautical Sciences) or research focus area.
• Evaluates student progress and provides feedback on individual student events including academic exams, test plans, test cards, written reports, oral presentations, ground and inflight labs, and Phase practical exams as appropriate.
• Performs active role in curriculum development.
• Leads and/or assists in the development of new methods to enhance student learning and provide the students with tools similar to those available in current test programs.
• Works with Research Division or Educational Division Phase Technical Experts and appropriate Branch personnel to determine instructors (in-house or guest) for…